Heilala Vanilla launches into Countdown supermarkets

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
18 November 2014

Heilala Vanilla launches products into Countdown supermarkets

New Zealand’s original premium vanilla company, Heilala Vanilla, has launched its range into Countdown supermarkets.

A selection of Heilala Vanilla’s top-selling premium vanilla extract products, along with the recently launched Heilala Coconut Oil, are now available in approximately 140 Countdown supermarkets nationwide.

The products are the 50ml vanilla extract, 60ml vanilla paste, and the 300ml coconut oil, which is produced in partnership with Oxfam in Tonga.

Heilala Vanilla co-founder and CEO, Jennifer Boggiss, says the new partnership with Progressive Enterprises, who own and operate Countdown supermarkets, signals a new phase for the company, which was established on the island of Vava’u in Tonga over 13 years ago.

“Thirteen years ago, we fell in love with the people and the place. Vanilla was already growing on the island and we were instrumental in reinvigorating the vanilla industry in Vava’u,” says Jennifer.

“But we didn’t want to be involved with the global commodity market for vanilla. That’s when we decided to create a premium vanilla brand that would benefit a community in a very remote part of the South Pacific.”

Jennifer says as New Zealand’s only premium vanilla company, Heilala Vanilla was ranged in Foodstuffs supermarkets three years ago, where it is now the category leader.

“We are excited that our products are now being ranged in Countdown, which will ensure every New Zealand baker gets the chance to purchase Heilala Vanilla wherever they are.”

Heilala Vanilla products have won praise from chefs, food writers and foodies in New Zealand and internationally, as well as winning many culinary awards.

“Heilala Vanilla is now used in some of the finest restaurants in the world, from Attica in Melbourne, Musket Room in New York, to Crosstown Donuts in London. Our products are also used in many well-known New Zealand and Australian premium ice creams and yoghurts,” says Jennifer.

Jennifer and the Heilala Vanilla team have recently returned from Paris after exhibiting at SIAL, the world’s largest food trade shows with over 6000 exhibitors.

Two of its products, the Heilala Vanilla Paste and Heilala Vanilla Syrup, were finalists in the SIAL Innovation Awards. Jennifer says this was the first time a New Zealand food company has made it into the award finals.

“Being part of such a big event was very inspiring,” she says. “It was great to learn about global food trends, innovations and to meet buyers from all over the world.”

Other highlights included the New Zealand Ambassador to France and the Tongan Ambassador to the United Kingdom, visiting the Heilala Vanilla stand at SIAL.

Jennifer says Heilala Vanilla is currently working on new developments and future partnerships following on from her recent trip to Europe.

“It’s an exciting time at Heilala Vanilla. We have recently secured two new export markets and are certain we will continue to remain the market leader in the vanilla category,” she says. “We have plenty more innovations to come while continuing to partner with Tonga and build Heilala into a global food brand.”

ENDS

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